Pope Francis, 88, battling ‘complex’ illness in hospital as Vatican issues new statement on his health

POPE Francis is "stable" but will remain in hospital as medics treat him for a "complex" condition, The Vatican announced.

The pontiff, 88, was hospitalised on February 14, where he has been staying for treatment of a respiratory infection.

Details of his illness emerged this afternoon, when The Vatican announced the Pope would be staying in hospital after complications were discovered.

But this evening, Catholics around the world received the welcome news that their leader was stable and without fever.

A statement from the Vatican read: "The Holy Father continues to be afebrile [without fever] and is continuing the prescribed therapy.

"His clinical conditions are stable.

"This morning he received the Eucharist and subsequently dedicated himself to some work activities and reading texts."

Pope Francis is said to be "touched" by the outpouring of support he has received, which includes messages of affection and drawings.

He is particularly grateful for well wishes from other people currently staying in hospital, The Vatican said.

The Pope has been under close observation since being taken to the Gemelli Hospital in Rome, Italy.

Officials revealed that tests over the past few days have indicated he is suffering from a "complex clinical picture".

They added that the discovery of a "polymicrobial infection of the respiratory tract" changed his course of treatment.